In 1996 Money magazine identified Madison as the best place to live in the United States and it continues to consistently rank near the top of “best-places lists” with many other publications.

The Wisconsin State Capitol dome, closely based on the dome of the U.S. Capitol, is the jewel of the Madison skyline, and is visible throughout the Madison area due to its position and a state law that limits building heights within one mile of the structure.

The main downtown thoroughfare is State Street, which links the
University of Wisconsin campus with the State Capitol square, and is
lined with restaurants, espresso cafes, and shops. Only pedestrians,
buses, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and bikes are allowed on
State Street.

In 2004, Madison was named the healthiest city
in America by Men's Journal magazine. Many major streets in Madison
have designated bike lanes and the city has one of the most extensive
bike trail systems in the nation and thus a very active cyclist
culture.

Summers in Madison come alive with the Dane County
Farmers' Market held around the Capitol Square and the Wisconsin
Chamber Orchestra free concerts on the Capitol's lawn. The Great Taste
of the Midwest beer festival, held each August, offers beer lovers the
chance to sample some 500 different brews! The lakeside setting with
a view of the state capitol would be hard to beat.